Fifteen months ago, GM Scott Layden thought he had Vin Baker sewed up in the Patrick Ewing blockbuster, only to have the deal fall apart. At the time, the Sonics were as anxious to part with Baker’s contract as the Knicks were willing to take it in.

Things have changed slightly. The Sonics aren’t willing to give Baker away for anything. Recently, the Knicks made a pitch for Baker, reportedly offering Othella Harrington, Charlie Ward and Travis Knight. Seattle rebuffed them, though $65 million still remains on his contract.

The Knicks, though, fielding the starting lineup Layden envisioned during training camp, are still paper-thin in the frontcourt; especially with Clarence Weatherspoon perhaps out 3½ more weeks and Felton Spencer injuring his shoulder. Spencer was available for action but in pain.

Still out there free are center Olden Polynice, Will Perdue, Todd fuller and power forwards Otis Thorpe, Derrick McKey and Dickey Simpkins. On the trade market, one very big body who is thought to be available is Toronto’s Eric Montross.

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Jeff Van Gundy was thrilled with the defense Allan Houston played Saturday vs. Ron Mercer. If he can only continue that. “Nothing prevents Allan from being a good defender. He may not have the quickest feet but his length and size negates that.”

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Mark Jackson on the team’s 6-8 start without Marcus Camby: “We’re better than 6-8,” he said. “We wish we had a better start. We missed him but at the same time we should’ve been a better basketball team even without his presence.”

With Camby activated, Larry Robinson returned to the injured list.

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The last thing Van Gundy was concerned about with Camby was adapting to the new stuff in the playbook. “He’s so intelligent,” VG said. “He has no trouble picking up stuff. Some people being out, it would be a real problem.”